Machine Shop Lead / CNC Machining Mentor (NASA HUNCH)

About the role

The Machine Shop Lead / CNC Machining Mentor for the NASA HUNCH Program is responsible for serving as the lead machinist and student-facing mentor for NASA HUNCH in California, producing certified aerospace hardware while training high school teachers and students across partner schools to NASA manufacturing standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead production of aerospace-grade flight and non-flight hardware on schedule, on budget, and under full QA oversight.
• Review engineering drawings, GD&T, and specifications; assess manufacturability and flag risks early.
• Develop and approve manufacturing plans, work instructions, and process documentation capturing controls, traceability, and quality requirements.
• Write and optimize CNC programs for multi-axis mills, lathes, and other machine tools; manage tooling, fixturing, and setup.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, NASA, and applicable military standards across all machining operations.
• Assess partner-school readiness and deliver training that elevates students and teachers to NASA hardware standards.
• Expose students to the full manufacturing lifecycle — drawing review, programming, setup, machining, deburring, cleaning, and inspection.
• Champion safety and quality culture across the home shop and every partner-school HUNCH facility, including FAI and nonconformance resolution.

Requirements

• 10–15 years of machining experience in aerospace or mechanical hardware development, including supervisory or lead experience over machinists/technicians.
• Proficient in engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAM-based CNC programming, with proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize machining of aerospace alloys (aluminum, titanium, stainless, Inconel).
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace QA processes (first article inspection, nonconformance disposition) and configuration/data management.
• Strong leader and communicator able to motivate cross-disciplinary teams — including students and educators — to high performance in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Prior NASA or NASA-contractor experience with working knowledge of NASA/DoD work instructions, drawing and configuration management processes, NASA systems (MIDAS, NAMS, QARC, EDMS, JEDII), and ITAR/EAR export controls (preferred).
• Hands-on proficiency with Mastercam CAD/CAM and special process controls (welding, heat treating, surface finishing), Lean/Six Sigma training, and prior experience mentoring or teaching in a technical or manufacturing setting (preferred).

Skills

• Proficiency in engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAM-based CNC programming.
• Experience with AS9100 and aerospace QA processes.
• Leadership and communication skills to motivate cross-disciplinary teams.
• Hands-on proficiency with Mastercam CAD/CAM and special process controls.
• Experience mentoring or teaching in a technical or manufacturing setting.

Benefits

• Unlimited Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4% to help you build long-term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources

Pay

$160,000 - $180,000 USD

Schedule

Full-time